LA PINTA ORIGIN OF SPECIES ADVENTURE - NORTHEASTERN (Mon-Fri), Santa Cruz

About this activity

We’re delighted to have you on board for this journey of discovery to some of the most beautiful islands in the Galapagos. Our itinerary together begins on Santa Cruz Island, the most populous of the archipelago, where we meet giant tortoises in the wild and then venture to the shores of Eden Islet. From there, we hop over to the lovely crescent bay of Chinese Hat. On Wednesday, one of the iconic sites of the archipelago awaits: Bartolome Island, with its wooden walkway up to a panoramic viewpoint, golden sandy beach and great snorkeling opportunities. Close-by, Sullivan Bay gives us a great introduction to the volcanic origins of the islands. We end with an exciting visit to the sunken caldera of Genovesa, far up in the northeast of the archipelago, a privileged place to visit amid thousands of marine birds. The entire crew aboard La Pinta will do our utmost to ensure your Galapagos experience is truly deeply moving and memorable.

Multi-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Water Tours Adventure Tours Involves Animals Additional fees Zombie

At a glance

Duration: 5 days
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–4
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Metropolitan Touring

Ages: Children (2–5 years) · Adults (6–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Fuel surcharge.
Included: Glass Bottom boat / Kayaks / Paddleboards / Pangas (inflatable dinghies for coastal exploration).
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Wifi (Due to the Galapagos' remote location, connections are intermittent and low-bandwidth).
Included: Breakfast
Included: Reading room / Natural history library / Outdoor terrace / Coffee station 24/7.
Included: Multiple purpose room / Landing and facility fees.
Included: Doctor onboard 24/7.
Included: Island Sightseeing with certified Naturalist Guides.
Included: Wetsuits / Snorkeling Equipment / Fitness Room / Safe deposit box (in cabin).

Not included

Not included: Airport transportation to/from Galapagos and airport taxes (A destination expert will contact you).
Not included: Galapagos National Park Entrance (A destination expert will contact you).
Not included: Ingala Transit Control Card (A destination expert will contact you).
Not included: Gift Pack, tips and gratuities.
Not included: Alcoholic beverages, available at an extra cost ( Over 18 years old).
Not included: Medical insurance and travel insurance.

Itinerary

Day 1 · Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands

Baltra

2 hours

Following your morning arrival at Baltra Airport, you will take a transfer ferry across the Itabaca Channel – a small channel that separates the north shore of Santa Cruz Island from Baltra Island. Afterwards, you will board a private bus that will take you, along with other guests, up into the highlands, where we will all have the opportunity to learn about Santa Cruz’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Highland View Galapagos

2 hours Admission included

After lunch, we will continue by private bus to reach a reserve that is one of the best places in the archipelago to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. The tortoises are easy to spot lumbering around, eating grass and sometimes even wallowing in the small pools. There are several lava tunnels in the reserve, too. After this, a short, private bus ride will take us down to the town of Puerto Ayora to board Yacht La Pinta.

Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)

Day 2 · Santa Cruz & Sombrero Chino Island

Santa Cruz

3 hours

Eden Islet

Following breakfast, a panga ride will take us down to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz Island, where they can observe blue-footed boobies diving into the water, reef sharks and frigates. There’s a chance to snorkel or ride aboard La Pinta’s own glass-bottom boat, weather permitting. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning due to its variety of volcanic debris, complete with cinder cones, tuff cones, and semi-eroded lava flows.
Isla Sombrero China

3 hours

The tiny island of Sombrero Chino gets its name from its appearance, which is reminiscent of a Chinese Hat. This islet, which formed fairly recently, makes for a beautiful visit as one explores the wildlife along its 400-meter long trail, which begins at a crescent-shaped white sand beach. The cove offers excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the company of whitetip reef sharks and Galapagos penguins.

Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)

Day 3 · Bartolome & Santiago Islands

Bartolome

3 hours

On this morning, an iconic and postcard-worthy Galapagos feature awaits: Bartolome Island. We will disembark from our dinghy shuttle boats and begin a steep climb up a wooden staircase where the view from the top makes the trek well worth the effort! Following the walk, we will once again hop aboard the dinghies for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock. After this, there will be time for you guests to enjoy the beach as well as some snorkeling. You can also choose to ride aboard the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world.
Sullivan Bay

3 hours

After lunch, we will board the dinghy to disembark at Sullivan Bay over on the east coast of Santiago Island. This visitor site comes complete with a white coral-sand beach, which is great for swimming and snorkeling. Additionally, there’s a trail that goes over a lava field that once flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife.

Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)

Day 4 · Genovesa Island

Darwin Bay

3 hours

In the morning, we will begin our exploration of this island with a casual stroll to observe marine and land birds. There is an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain that rewards us with dramatic views, too. Otherwise, you can simply choose to return to the beach to enjoy swimming and snorkeling at this beautiful, natural harbor. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can opt to snorkel along the cliffs or paddle in sea kayaks.
Prince Phillip's Steps

3 hours

The afternoon starts with a very interesting dinghy ride along the cliffs before we disembark at Prince Philip’s Steps – the start of a steep but short climb up a wooden staircase. Once at the top, the terrain is pretty flat, which allows for a mesmerizing, mile-long walk to the other side of this small island. Along the way, guests will get to check out large colonies of Nazca boobies, frigatebirds and storm petrels as well as the elusive short-eared owl.

Luxury Double Cabin (2 guests)

Day 5 · Baltra Island

Baltra

2 hours

The journey ends at Baltra Island, where you will take your transfer to the airport to hop on your flight back to the mainland. Baltra’s flat terrain (due to its tectonically uplifted origin) is the reason for why this island was chosen as the location to build an airport back in the 1940’s.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

After you have processed the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, you will see our staff holding signs with La Pinta logo. They will assist you to transfer you to the ship.

End point

After you have processed the Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee, you will see our staff holding signs with La Pinta logo. They will assist you to transfer you to the ship.

Using your ticket

One of our destination experts will get in touch with our guests to make sure they have all logistical information available, specially due to entry requirements to the Galapagos Islands.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 6 days before	100%
At least 2 days before	50%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Itinerary subject to change due to weather, logistical, Galápagos Park regulations or operational reasons
Baggage important notes: Guests can bring aboard the ship a reasonable amount of clothing and personal effects without charge. Baggage is handled in accordance with the airlines’ regulations and tariffs. Baggage exceeding these limitations is subject to the charges as set forth by the individual operators. Airlines are strict with baggage limitations. The current limits are 23 kg (50.6 pounds) for checked items, 8 kg (17 pounds) for hand luggage and 1 personal item (handbag, camera bag, laptop, etc.)
All baggage must be securely packed, and properly and clearly labeled. Liquid, fragile, perishable and other articles not suitably packed are transported at guests’ own risk.
Restricted Baggage in the Galapagos: Local authorities manage the quarantine system of the Galápagos National Park in order to reduce the possibility of foreign species invading the archipelago. All cargo and luggage that arrives to Galapagos National Park or that is transferred from one island to another must be inspected. To preserve the human health and the native species of the Galapagos Islands, the following products may not be transferred to Galapagos: fresh vegetables and fruits, animal products and or their derivatives, dairy products. Other live animals, pathological samples, dry coffee beans, genetically modified organisms, forest species or their disseminative parts, grass and its disseminative parts, fresh flowers, medicinal plants and their disseminative parts, banana tree leaves, micro-organisms (fungi, bacteria, etc.) soil and sand, and animal vaccines
One of our destination experts will get in touch with our guests to make sure they have all logistical information available, specially due to entry requirements to the Galapagos Islands and schedules for domestic air tickets to Galapagos.

Options

Classic Cabins || 4 Persons

Cabins accommodation: 2 Double Cabins.
Cabin Single || 1 Person

Cabins accommodation: 1 Cabin exclusive for single use.
Classic Cabins || 3 Persons

Cabins accommodation: 1 Double Cabin + 1 Single Cabin.
Cabin Double || 2 Persons

Cabins accommodation: 1 Double Cabin.